Australia Holds Immigration Cap Steady at 185,000 for 2025-26 Despite Rising Protests
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Australia has decided to keep its PR allocations steady for the year 2025-26 at 185,000, despite the anti-immigration protests growing louder across the country. The federal government has specified that in the consultations with states and territories, they are positive and strong in showing support for maintaining both the size and structure of the program.
Officials have also stressed that maintaining a steady cap also brings certainty to applicants, employers, and the government, while also striking a balance between the workforce needs and family reunification
The Department of Home Affairs (IMMI) noted that “the migration program is designed to bolster the Australian economy by prioritising skilled migration, while also ensuring pathways for family reunification.”
The Majority of Allocations are for Skilled Migration
Of the total 185,000 visa allocations made for the year 2025-26, the majority of the places are reserved for skilled migration at 71% (132,000), targeting migrants with qualifications aligned to labour shortages
- Skilled stream: 132,000 (71%)
- Family stream: 52,500 (28%)
- Special eligibility: 300 places
The family reunification stream is demand-driven, and among them, partner visas make up the majority, while child visas are fixed at 3,000 places. Meanwhile, the Special eligibility category is reserved for unique cases such as returning permanent residents.
Also Read: Australia Adds 3 New English Language Tests for Visa Applications
New Talent and Innovation Visa
A key change this year is the introduction of the Talent and Innovation visa, which offers 4,300 places to exceptional talent. This visa combines the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas with the National Innovation visa, hence streamlining pathways for exceptional talent and innovators.
IMMI emphasised that the goal behind the new visa introduction is to make it easier for highly skilled professionals and innovators to contribute directly to Australia’s economic growth.
Meeting the Regional and State Needs
Nearly 36% of the overall immigration program allocations, i.e., equal to half of the skilled stream places, are allocated to the regional and state-nominated visas. These allocations allow states and territories to select the specific skilled migrants who can address their state-specific workforce and economic needs.
Australia’s Emphasis on Balancing Growth and Inclusion
By keeping the overall cap steady or unchanged, the country is signalling stability in immigration policy, while encouraging targeted reforms. Skilled migration Australia continues to support the growth in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, while the family stream ensures social harmony by binding families together.
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